Which of the following battery chemistries is not rechargeable?

• A. Nickel-cadmium
• B. Lead-acid
• C. Carbon-zinc
• D. Lithium-ion

Answer: (C)

Carbon-zinc batteries are commonly recognized as non-rechargeable. They are primary batteries typically used in applications that require a steady, low discharge of energy over a longer period. Unlike rechargeable batteries, primary batteries are designed to be used until their energy is depleted and then disposed of, rather than recharged and reused.

In contrast, the other battery chemistries listed—Nickel-cadmium, Lead-acid, and Lithium-ion—are all designed for recharging. Nickel-cadmium batteries can be cycled many times and have a long life, but they do lose capacity over time due to memory effects. Lead-acid batteries are often used in vehicles because they can be charged and discharged many times, making them useful for many applications, including starting cars. Lithium-ion batteries have become very popular in modern electronics due to their ability to hold a charge for a long time and their relatively low self-discharge rates compared to other rechargeable options.

Understanding the distinctions among these battery types is important for choosing the correct battery for specific applications, particularly in ham radio operations where power management is critical.